Richmond COVID-19 numbers up, again

The number of new COVID-19 cases in Richmond has risen over the past four weeks with 74 more cases in the latest reported time period (Aug. 15-21).

This is up from 57 cases reported by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) last week, 47 the week before and 21 about a month ago.

Numbers across the province also continue to rise. There were 724 new cases in B.C. over the past 24 hours, up from 698 the day before.

Numbers haven’t been this high since May.

Hospitalizations in B.C. are also on the way up. Wednesday, the province reported there were 139 people in hospital and 75 in intensive care. By Thursday, hospitalizations had risen to 149 with 83 in intensive care.

In the meantime, one-dose vaccination rates for those 12 years old and older hover between the low 80 per cent to high 80s throughout Richmond.

Richmond City Centre and Steveston both have vaccination rates of 88 per cent, while Blundell and Broadmoor are at 82 per cent.

Drop-in vaccination clinics run at River Rock Casino (8811 River Rd.) every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (the clinic is closed on Labour Day, Sept. 6). Registration isn’t required and anyone can drop in for a first dose or, after 28 days from their first dose, for their second.